Evi: New Virtual Helper Challenges Siri

Evi uses a platform with hundreds of millions of data points that True Knowledge developed over several years (initially for Web search). Information in this database has been tagged to add meaning and context. For example, Apple is classified as a "company" and Tim Cook is classified as a "person" and a "CEO." True Knowledge founder and CEO William Tunstall-Pedoe says this allows the app to understand all sorts of things—people, places, buildings, colors, and more—and how they interact, which helps the app find the right answer for a wide range of questions. In addition to all this information, Evi, like Siri, can access data on some outside websites.

Essentially, the app takes your spoken or typed question and uses its vast store of knowledge along with outside data from websites like Yelp to give pertinent answers. This is similar to how Siri works, but Apple's assistant focuses more on accomplishing tasks, such as making calls, setting alerts, or dictating text messages, by working with the iPhone's other apps. Evi does not do these things, but Tunstall-Pedoe says it will eventually be able to take on more tasks.